Semiconductor Photodiode Array With Integrated Light Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for detecting fluorescent emissions in biological or chemical reactions are expensive and require a large benchtop footprint, while solid-state detectors lack efficient light separation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor-based detector with an array of sensing photodiodes and a light separating structure that preferentially transmits photons of emission light relative to excitation light, using inorganic semiconductor materials and dielectric barriers to block electrons generated from photon absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical system with lenses, filters, and light sources is used to detect fluorescent emissions, then detection capability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (lenses, filters, light sources) with a solid-state semiconductor detector that directly converts light into electrical signals. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky optical components while maintaining detection capability, as the semiconductor material inherently performs both light filtering and signal detection in an integrated manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor detector performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the light filter (selectively absorbing excitation light wavelengths) and the detection element (converting emission light into electrical signals). This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate optical components into a single integrated device, reducing overall system size.
2Measurement precision
If an optical system with lenses, filters, and light sources is used to detect fluorescent emissions, then detection capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive optical components (precision lenses, optical filters, specialized light sources) with a semiconductor detector that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication processes. These manufacturing techniques are well-established and cost-effective, producing high-performance detectors at lower costs compared to assembling precision optical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor detector utilizes composite material structures (such as layered semiconductor compounds or doped regions) that provide both optical filtering and detection properties. These composite material approaches allow for tailored spectral response and can be integrated into cost-effective manufacturing processes, reducing overall device cost while maintaining detection capability.
3Area of stationary object
If a solid-state detector is used instead of an optical system, then device size is reduced, but light separation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the wavelength-dependent absorption parameters of semiconductor materials to achieve effective light separation. By selecting semiconductor materials with specific bandgap energies, the detector inherently absorbs excitation light wavelengths while transmitting emission light wavelengths, providing spectral filtering capability without requiring additional optical components. This parameter-based approach maintains light separation capability in a compact form.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor detector employs composite material structures (such as layered semiconductor compounds or doped regions) that provide both optical filtering and detection properties. These composite material approaches allow for tailored spectral response and can be integrated into cost-effective manufacturing processes, reducing overall device cost while maintaining detection capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances signal-to-noise ratio by effectively separating excitation and emission light, reducing the need for bulky optical assemblies and organic filters, and facilitating cost-effective, robust detection of fluorescent signals.
Implementation Method 1
an array of sensing photodiodes formed in a semiconductor formation, wherein the semiconductor formation receives light from the detector surface
Implementation Method 2
a structure intermediate the detector surface and a sensing photodiode, wherein the structure comprises a second semiconductor formation that absorbs photons of light
Implementation Method 3
a dielectric barrier that blocks electrons generated from photon absorption in the second semiconductor formation from reaching a sensing photodiode
Implementation Method 4
a structure comprising alternating layers of a first material and a second material, the second material having a higher index of refraction than the first material, wherein the structure preferentially transmits photons of emission light relative to photons of excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
There is set forth herein, in one example, a device comprising: a detector surface; an array of sensing photodiodes formed in a semiconductor formation, wherein the semiconductor formation receives light from the detector surface; and a light separating structure intermediate the detector surface and a sensing photodiode of the array of sensing photodiodes.